The idiot’s guide to Shavuot

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You shall count for yourselves — from the day after the Shabbat, from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving — seven Shabbats, they shall be complete. Until the day after the seventh Sabbath you shall count, fifty days… You shall convoke on this very day — there shall be a holy convocation for yourselves — you shall do no laborious work; it is an eternal decree in your dwelling places for your generations.

And you shall eat enough cheesecake to open a small dairy factory in your stomach.

-Leviticus 21:15-16, 21

Or something like that. Recognize this passage? That’s right, everybody, it’s Shavuot, the most uncreatively named festival on the Jewish calendar.

Rabbi 1: “We are going to count down a period of seven weeks to celebrate what was possibly the most significant event in our people’s history — the receiving of the Torah. What will we call it to convey its significance?”

Rabbi 2: “Uhhh…. ‘Weeks?’”

Rabbi 1: “IT’S BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!”

In the Torah, Shavuot is referred to by the various names “the Festival of Weeks”, the “Festival of Reaping,” the “Day of the First Fruits,” and “Shaniqua.” This chag is one of the Shlosha Regalim, the three harvest festivals that have both historical and agricultural meaning, along with Sukkot and Passover. Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, and is therefore known as Chag Matan Torateinu. (Not to be confused with Chag Matan Tortilla, which took place at the El Paso Taco Factory during last Thursday’s lunch buffet.)

Agriculturally, Shavuot commemorates the time when the first fruits were brought to the Temple after a grueling three-day uphill journey in the desert heat. Unfortunately, Fresh Direct had yet to open their Jerusalem branch.

It is noteworthy that the festival is called the time of the giving of the Torah, rather than the time of the receiving of the Torah. The Jewish sages point out that we are constantly in the process of receiving the Torah — that we receive it anew each day. This presents an excellent excuse to extricate oneself from any situation:

Wife: “Honey, Rivka invited us to go to see “The Notebook” in 3D this evening.”

Husband: “Sorry, I have to receive the Torah tonight.”

Wife: “Hmm…that’s what Rivka’s husband said too.”

The preparation for Shavuot begins on the second night of Passover with the counting of the Omer, a daily ritual lasting 49 days. The counting requires discipline, dedication, and stamina. In fact, some Talmudic scholars translate “Sefirat Ha’Omer” as “P90X.” The Omer is a time of great anticipation: first, because we’re eager to celebrate the receiving of the Torah; and second, because we are eager to stop counting. The counting requires only a slight knowledge of Hebrew and first-grade math skills. Those who like to count the Omer while on the go — this is especially useful if you find it difficult to add in increments of one — can download an iPhone app.

What’s the cut off Hebrew on the right say? Did they try to sneak a ‘yiyeh b’seder’ past us?

That the two festivals of Passover and Shavuot are related is not by chance. While Passover freed us physically from bondage, the giving of the Torah on Shavuot redeemed us spiritually from our bondage from idolatry and immorality. This explains the popular Shavuot pickup line “Hey, baby. Can I tie you up and then free you from bondage?” Shockingly, there is no evidence showing that this line has ever actually worked.

Shavuot is also known as Pentecost, because it falls on the 50th day of the Omer. It should be stated, however, that Shavuot has no connection to the Christian holiday of Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday, or to the BCS National Championship Game, which takes place 50 days after the final regular season game (inside joke for American sports fans).

Traditions on this holy day include eating dairy, studying all night, and, for many, shaving a hideous growth off their faces. It is customary to stay up the entire first night of Shavuot to study Torah. Many Jews in Jerusalem culminate their night of learning by praying at the Kotel at sunrise. Those who do not reside in the Holy City may pray to a wall closer to home, provided they are not worried about resembling a mental patient. In fact, most of Tel Aviv learns till well after 2 a.m., and by “learn” I mean funnel arak.

In the Diaspora, it is customary to eat at least one dairy meal on Shavuot, and in Israel, at least 400 cheesecakes by 10 a.m. There are varying opinions as to why this is done. Some say it is a reminder of the promise regarding the land of Israel, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” Some say it is because our ancestors had just received the Torah and the laws of kashrut, and did not have separate dishes available. And some say this is G-d’s way of having fun with millions of people who share a lactose intolerance. Whether or not you believe the last theory, avoiding long car rides with friends on Shavuot is highly recommended.

Already celebrating

I wish you all a happy, healthy Shavuot.

Cheese blintzes, anyone?

About the Author

Since making aliyah in 2006, Benji Lovitt has performed stand-up comedy and educational programs for groups including Jewish Federations, synagogues, Masa Israel Journey, and Birthright Israel. His perspectives on aliyah and Israeli society have been featured on Israeli TV and radio and in publications such as USA Today, Time Magazine, the BBC, and more. During 2014's Operation Protective Edge, his humorous observations on the war led to his being called in Israel "the only reason to go on Facebook.”